Singapore PAP wins landslide in May 2025 election with 65.6% vote
Singapore held its general election on May 3rd, 2025, resulting in a strong victory for the ruling People's Action Party, or PAP. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's party secured 87 of 97 parliamentary seats and captured 65.57 percent of the popular vote, an improvement from their 61.24 percent showing in 2020. The opposition Workers' Party, Singapore's main alternative political force, maintained its 10 elected seats across three constituencies—Aljunied, Sengkang, and Hougang—and gained two additional non-constituency seats. A record 211 candidates competed in the election, including 53 women, the highest number in Singapore's history. Voter turnout was 92.5 percent, down from 95.8 percent in 2020. The PAP's victory extends its unbroken rule of Singapore since independence in 1965, now spanning 66 years. The election took place amid global economic uncertainty and voters' concerns about cost of living and employment.
Key facts
- PAP won 87 of 97 seats with 65.57% vote share on May 3, 2025
- Workers' Party retained all 10 elected seats plus gained 2 non-constituency seats
- Vote share increased 4.33 percentage points from 61.24% in 2020
- Record 211 candidates contested, including 53 women—highest female participation ever
- Voter turnout was 92.5%, down from 95.8% in 2020 election
- PAP won uncontested walkover in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights constituency
- Three constituencies saw narrow PAP victories: Sengkang, Punggol, and Tampines GRCs
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive analysts highlight the Workers' Party's consolidation as a legitimate opposition force, noting the party successfully coalesced anti-incumbent sentiment and made important strides in strengthening its position as a permanent democratic check on PAP governance. Some left-leaning commentary emphasizes that the election reveals a maturing electorate seeking new voices and ideas in Parliament, suggesting growing space for democratic contestation despite the PAP's landslide win.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and pro-business analysis stresses the PAP's decisive victory as a mandate for continued pro-enterprise economic policy, investor confidence, and stable governance without political experimentation during volatile global conditions. This framing emphasizes the rejection of smaller opposition parties and anti-immigration populism, arguing the result validates the PAP's leadership and business-friendly approach to growth and financial stability.
Limits of this briefing
Coverage was primarily dominated by centrist and pro-establishment sources. Limited explicitly left-leaning commentary was found beyond academic analysis suggesting democratic maturation; most progressive framing focused on opposition resilience rather than systemic critiques. Right-leaning perspectives emphasized business continuity rather than ideologically distinct conservative positions.
Sources
- Edelman: Singapore's 2025 General Election: Resounding Mandate & Continuity Secured Right
- Asia Society Policy Institute: Singapore's Ruling Party Wins, but the Opposition Is Here to Stay Centre
- The Online Citizen: PAP's GE2025 victory shaped by systemic advantage, strategic subsidies, and fear-driven continuity Left
- PBS NewsHour: Singapore's long-ruling party wins another election landslide in boost for new prime minister Centre
- USA-ASEAN Business Council: Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025): Political Landscape and Policy Continuity Right